
The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers
Peru, south-america
30 km
4,472 m
moderate
Year-round
Abra Tsactsapunta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,472m (14,671ft) above sea level, located in the Yungay Province of Peru.
The pass is located in the Ancash Region, in the western part of the country, high in the Cordillera Blanca range.
The road through the pass is 30km (19 miles) long, running north-south from Cruz de Mayo to Huacho.
The road to the pass is not easy. It’s unpaved, with loose rocks, unprotected by guardrails, featuring dangerous drops and about 30 hairpin turns. The weather is always a concern, as the area is often covered in fog.
The road is pretty remote, so it’s better to travel accompanied. In perfect weather, a high-clearance vehicle is required, and a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
The Road to Abra Tsactsapunta in the Cordillera Blanca Is Not for Timid Drivers is located in Peru (south-america). Coordinates: -11.3203, -74.2341
Road Details
- Country
- Peru
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,472 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.3203, -74.2341
Related Roads in south-america
extremeLaguna Chichis
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up (literally, and maybe mentally) because Laguna Chichis in the Peruvian Andes is calling your name... if you're brave enough! Situated way up high in the province of Huarochirí, we're talking a lung-busting 4,539 meters (that's almost 15,000 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about the LM-116 – a 4x4-only adventure. Imagine a narrow, gravel road clinging to the side of a cliff, with absolutely no guardrails to save you from a truly epic fall. The ascent is BRUTAL; the air gets thin, and trust me, you'll feel it. Altitude sickness can kick in way before you even get close, so be prepared. One wrong move here and… well, let’s just say you won't be posting about it on Instagram. We're talking a dizzying vertical drop. Seriously, skip this one if it's windy. And definitely avoid it in bad weather. Avalanches, snow, landslides – they're all real possibilities, plus patches of ice can appear out of nowhere. The gravel surface is often loose, especially near the edge. Since it's so remote and so high up, being prepared for anything is key. Oh, and did I mention that this wild ride to Huayunca stays above 4,900 meters for a solid 25 kilometers? So, are you ready to push your limits and experience some seriously stunning scenery?
hardIs the Road from Tupiza to Quiriza Unpaved?
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, wanderlusters, listen up! Bolivia's Potosí Department is calling, and this road from Tupiza to Quiriza? It's a wild one. Think southern Bolivia, practically knocking on Argentina's door. We're talking almost 40 miles (63.9 km) of pure, unadulterated off-road adventure. Forget pavement. This baby's all about sand and rocks, and you'll be cruising way, way up there—entirely above 13,000 feet! Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and did I mention the river crossing? Yeah, this isn't your Sunday drive. You'll start near Tupiza (a seriously cool, remote town perched at 9,777 feet) and make your way north to the mining town of Quiriza. And if you are feeling adventurous, Colquechaca, the highest town of Bolivia may be on your way as well. Expect some breathtaking views, because even though this road is tough, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Just be prepared for a real challenge!
extremePortezuelo de Guaitiquina: Driving the remote 4,288m border pass
🇦🇷 Argentina
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Portezuelo de Guaitiquina, a whopping 4,288m (14,068ft) high, straddles the Chile-Argentina border, offering a wild and solitary experience unlike the busier Paso de Sico. This route carves through the stunning, high-altitude deserts of the Andes, connecting Chile's Antofagasta Region with Argentina's Salta Province. This pass links you from the area near San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile all the way to the village of Catua in Argentina. The road itself is about 58.1 km (36.1 miles) from the B-357 junction in Chile to the border with Salta. Think stark beauty: salt flats, dramatic volcanic peaks, and endless horizons. It’s a forgotten corner, so prepare for minimal traffic and a whole lot of silence. Yep, it's all gravel. Known as RP37 in Chile, it morphs into an unnamed track on the Argentine side leading to Catua. Be warned, this climb is steep! And the thin air will definitely put your engine to the test. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, making those inclines extra challenging. While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet for dealing with the washboarding and sand drifts. The altitude is the biggest challenge here. At 4,288 meters, altitude sickness is a real possibility. Acclimatize properly! But there's another, more hidden danger: landmines. Parts of this border area were mined back in the 70s. While areas near the main road have been cleared, it's crucial to stick to the track and avoid wandering off into the desert. If you're crossing the border here, it's usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. But, because it's so remote, hours can change without warning due to weather or staffing. The climate is arid but can get brutally cold fast. Strong winds are common, and winter can bring snow and ice. Pack extra fuel, water, and cold-weather gear because help is a long way off, and cell service is non-existent.
extremeDriving the unpaved road to Paso Sanchez in La Paz Department
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to hear about Paso Sanchez in Bolivia. We're talking about a seriously sky-high mountain pass, sitting pretty at a whopping 4,792m (15,721ft) above sea level. Yeah, it’s one of the highest roads you'll find in the whole country! You'll find this beast south of the already insane Rhity Apacheta Pass, in the Franz Tamayo Province, chilling near the border with Peru, inside the Ulla Ulla National Fauna Reserve. Think remote and rugged. Now, let's be real: this road is NO joke. It’s 100% unpaved and throws EVERYTHING at you. We’re talking endless turns, super narrow spots, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore. Add in the fact that you're basically in the middle of nowhere, and you've got yourself a challenge. Trust me, you’ll need a 4x4 for this one. The scenery, though? Absolutely unreal. This whole adventure winds through the Apolobamba mountain range. The road stretches about 123km (76 miles) from south to north, connecting Ruta Nacional 16 near Villa Gral Pérez all the way to Cueara. Get ready for some views you won't forget!